How do you know you’re a true New Yorker? You’ve developed a healthy disdain for anything within a mile of Times Square, you’ve finally decoded the garbled subway announcements, and most importantly, you don’t flinch when a cat jumps out from behind the canned goods at your local bodega.
"Bodega cats" have become a quintessential part of New York City’s urban landscape, and the real question is: are they here for us, or are we here for them?
Bodegas, small, owner-operated stores offering everything from hot food to everyday essentials, often reflect the cultural influences of the neighborhoods they serve. They stay open late and act as community hubs in many NYC neighborhoods.
The term “bodega” comes from the Spanish word for "wine cellar" or "storeroom," adopted by Puerto Rican and Dominican communities who founded the first bodegas. Today, there are roughly 13,000 bodegas scattered across the city.
Bodega cats, the unofficial "managers" of these corner stores, have made them their personal kingdoms. Their primary mission: keeping rats and mice at bay and helping the stores avoid a $300 fine for pests. While this may sound like a fair trade, there’s a catch: New York City’s Department of Health frowns upon cats in food retail environments, and shop owners caught harboring them could face a $350 fine.
So why do bodega owners continue to keep cats despite the risks? The answer is simple: one cat lounging among the products is far better than a rat devouring them. Ask any bodega owner, like those in our Upper West Side neighborhood, and they’ll tell you that bodega cats are not just pest controllers but beloved members of the community.
According to one shop owner, residents—Jewish, Muslim and Christian alike—all adore Bruce, the neighborhood bodega cat, especially after Taylor Swift’s announcement as a proud "cat lady."
Beyond the legal concerns, there’s also an environmental and animal welfare angle. Despite the city’s bustle, New York City struggles with a massive stray cat population, and for many of these cats, a bodega offers a safe haven.
Life in a bodega is relatively comfortable compared to the streets, but many of these cats don’t get the medical care they need, which is a problem—especially for cats that spend their days perched next to deli meats and cheeses. Regular vet visits and vaccinations are often lacking.
Culturally, bodega cats have also become urban icons in the age of social media. Dozens of profiles are dedicated to documenting their lives, they feature prominently on Instagram and even make appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live. The cat at our local bodega is a bona fide influencer with thousands of followers.
So next time you pick up coffee at your local bodega, give a nod to the true boss of the joint—the one with whiskers and claws. And remember, in the battle between cats and rats, we’re all on the cat’s side.
- This article includes images from social media, used under Section 27A of the Copyright Act. If you know the photographer, please contact us via Red Mail.